Why No Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Before a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a cancer screening tool recommended routinely for those over 50 years old and earlier if family history indicates. Preparing for the procedure involves emptying the colon. Harvard Medical School states, "Emptying the contents of the colon is the first requirement for a successful colonoscopy." That means you need to stop eating all foods the day before, including fruits and vegetables, and not eat again until after the procedure.
Liquid Diet
The day before the procedure the patient goes on a clear liquid diet. There are no exceptions. You may also be asked to avoid nuts, seeds, hulls, skins, or other insoluble fiber for a day or more before beginning clear liquids, according to Harvard Medical School. "Clear liquid diet" literally means only liquids you can see through: water; non-fat broth; filtered fruit juices without pulp; tea or coffee with no added creamer.
Concerns
Talk to your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Discuss any and all concerns you have about preparing for the colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy Prep
Emptying the colon requires taking the colonoscopy prep, a solution designed to force the contents of the colon out. Clear your calendar, follow directions and stay close to home.
Consideration
The clear liquid diet and the colonoscopy prep are designed to clean out the colon so the scope can view the tissue. If the scope encounters any waste material in the colon, you will be sent home and asked to come back another day.
Prevention
Regular colonoscopies identify and remove polyps that could become or already are cancerous. According to the University of Cincinnati, "While colonoscopy requires a preparation, it is currently the most accurate way to get the answer you need about your colon health." Colonoscopies can prevent the need for cancer treatments in the future.
Tags: Before Colonoscopy, clear liquid, colonoscopy prep, contents colon, Fresh Fruits, Fresh Fruits Vegetables